1916 DWM Luger - Help Needed

[LugerNewby]

Originally Posted by Mac Cat

I think the first 3 pictures are some of the best for color and the straw parts looks pretty good there.

The magazine is the right era. Better if its numbered, even if it doesn't match.

You are right about the receiver serial number being covered up - I missed that it was covered up!

I also think the asking price is pretty fair.

You will want to make sure the grips are snug fitting.

The lack of wear on the barrel may be because it was depot replaced, but it is numbered correctly.

Overall, I also think it's original finish, but you really have to look it over in good lighting.
With the receiver removed, the insides should still be in the white, too.

The ears on the back of the frame almost always show a lot of machine marks, mostly circular.
But, the edges still look sharp and straight.
Heavy buffing usually thins out the acceptance stamps and rounds off the toggle edges.
I didn't see any of that.

Hi Mac -

I went to the LGS this evening and took some more photos, specifically the top strap and the internals. I attach here. A couple of things i noted:

1) The internals were very white, looked shiny and clean / good shape
2) The barrel front was not blued
3) All externally visible small parts numbers matched (05)
4) The mag had 4 digit number and a couple of proof marks, similar as other 1914-1918s I have seen, just non-matching, but it looked period correct (should have taken a pic!)
5) The LGS agreed to keep on hold for me until EOD Friday when I will go back and they said they will have their armorer field strip it for me so I can see the three internal parts that should also be numbered (and matched). One the sales associates was 99% sure they matched as he knew the customer who traded it in and he 'was very particular about those details' - hopefully we confirm on Friday!

Unless anyone sees anything suspicious, my plan is to go back on Friday and if all matches internally, drive a 'little hard bargain' and take it home...

Slav